Razorfish Care Guide
Aeoliscus strigatus, the jointed razorfish, is an Indo-Pacific shrimpfish that swims head-down in groups, often among sea-urchin spines.
Overview
Aeoliscus strigatus, the jointed razorfish or coral shrimpfish, was described by Günther in 1861. Its body is encased in thin, transparent armour plates. FishBase and Wikipedia both note its distinctive habit of swimming vertically with the snout pointing downward in synchronised groups.
Taxonomy
- Family: Centriscidae
- Genus: Aeoliscus
- Scientific name: Aeoliscus strigatus
- Order: Syngnathiformes
Habitat
FishBase records it from the Indo-West Pacific, from Tanzania and the Seychelles to southern Japan, New South Wales (Australia) and eastward to Vanuatu. It is a marine, reef-associated species of seagrass and open sand or rubble, recorded at depths of 2-42 m, where it shelters among the spines of Diadema urchins and staghorn corals.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness range (KB): 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: medium
- School size: keep in groups (KB: ≥5 individuals)
- Adult length: up to 15 cm (FishBase)
Diet
A carnivore. FishBase reports it feeds on minute crustaceans in the zooplankton; Wikipedia adds small brine shrimp and other small invertebrates. In aquaria it needs small, frequent meaty feedings to match its deliberate, slow feeding style.
Compatibility
A peaceful, gregarious species kept in groups. Its slow feeding makes it vulnerable to competition, so fast or aggressive tankmates should be avoided in favour of similarly calm species.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (assessed 2015). FishBase notes it is of no fisheries interest but is used commercially in the aquarium trade.